Page:Wanderings of a Pilgrim Vol 1.djvu/19

 rung during pūja, not only, it is said, to amuse the god, but to keep off evil spirits.

The shape of the spoon with which the rice or oil is put upon the head of the image is remarkably beautiful and antique. The top of the spoon bears the image of G[)a]nésh, crowned by the Nāgā, or holy serpent, with a hundred heads, which are out-*spread, to screen him from the sun.

This idol is made of solid white marble, and weighs three hundred weight and a quarter. It is painted and gilt, as in the Frontispiece. It was brought down from Jeypūr to the sacred junction of the triple rivers at Prāg, at which place it came into my possession.

Although a pukka Hindū, G[)a]nésh has crossed the Kālā Pānī, or Black Waters, as they call the ocean, and has accompanied me to England.

There he sits before me in all his Hindū state and peculiar style of beauty—my inspiration—my penates.

O G[)a]nésh, thou art a mighty lord! thy single tusk is beautiful, and demands the tribute of praise from the Hājī of the East. Thou art the chief of the human race; the destroyer of unclean spirits; the remover of fevers, whether daily or tertian! The pilgrim sounds thy praise; let her work be accomplished!

[Arabic: **]nī Pārks]